The Afghan Whigs are an American rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. Originally active from 1986 to 2001, they have since reformed. The group – with core members Greg Dulli (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick McCollum (lead guitar), and John Curley (bass) – rose up around the grunge movement, evolving from a garage band in the vein of the Replacements to incorporate more R&B and soul influences into their sound and image. After releasing their first album independently in 1988, the band signed to the Seattle-based label Sub Pop. They released their major-label debut and fourth album, Gentlemen, in 1993. Despite the name, none of the members is of Afghan descent.Pitchfork described them as “one of the few alt-bands to flourish on a major label” in the 1990s.
Dulli frequently claimed in interviews that the band would never get back together following their dissolution in 2001 but the group reunited in 2012.
Associated Acts
The Twilight Singers, The Gutter Twins, Mandrake Project
Genres
Alternative rock, grunge, soul, indie rock
Origin
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Website
Years Active
1986 2001, 2006, 2011 present
Name
The Afghan Whigs